Warren Matumeak, Iñupiaq Elder of the Year, completes his life journey
Saturday, December 4, 2010 at 11:24AM 
Late yesterday afternoon, I learned that Warren Matumeak of Barrow had just passed away. I last saw Warren on November 19, at the close of the Uqapiaqta Elders and Youth Conference where he was honored by the Iñupiat History and Culture Commission with the Iñupiaq Elder of the Year Award.
Two younger people were also honored then - Jana Harcharek and Josiah Patkotak, who received the Iñupiaq adult and youth awards respectively. In time, I will introduce both of them here, but today I want the images in this blog to focus solely upon Warren. In the image above, his name has just been called and he is about to go to the front to receive his recognition.
Tomorrow, I leave for Barrow where I will attend his funeral. I have been forced to miss many important funerals lately, from Mabel Aiken in Barrow to Soundarya in Bangalore, but I intend to be there for Warren's. After I arrive in Barrow and get a chance to talk with a few of those who loved him and worked closely with him, I will try to write a little more and to communicate a bit about who he was and how people saw him.
In my opinion, he was one of the great men of the Arctic. He will take a treasure to the grave with him - the knowledge and experience that he possessed.
For now, I am going to say little and just let these pictures of what I believe to have been his final appearance before the public speak for themselves.
Over the years, I have photographed Warren in many situations - directing the North Slope Borough Wildlife Management Department; drumming, singing and dancing from Barrow to Washington, DC - leading the choir and preaching in church and at many singspirations. I have photographed him feeding Russian Yup'ik and Chukchi dancers in his home and being fed by them in their Chukotka homes.
But my very favorite photograph that I ever took of him is a black and white that shows him sitting in front of a piano, looking a little weak and pale but grateful, with his arm around a young boy who holds a frozen fish and grins broadly.
That young boy is his grandson, Tommy Akpik, who you can see as an adult standing here behind him in the gray sweatshirt. Tommy was nine, and had gone through a grueling ordeal out on the tundra far from the nearest help and had saved his grandfather's life after Warren suffered a heart attack.
If I can find that picture before I leave for Barrow, after I get to Barrow I will put it in this blog and I will tell the story behind it.
Warren moves to the podium.
Warren receives his award, along with a hug from Patuk Glenn.
The gentleman smiling from the left, by the way, is Wesley Aiken, Larry Aiken's father. Warren and Wesley grew up together and served in the Army together.
Warren receives the mic from IHLC's Ethel Williams.
Warren expresses his thanks for this award.
Warren Matumeak.
Warren acknowledges the applause given to him by members of the board of IHLC.
He then returns to the audience, where his family and friends await him.
they will appear larger and look better
Reader Comments (7)
I am sure his family will be delighted to see these lovely photographs, taken just a couple of weeks ago, showing Mr Matumeak's pleasure in his award. I'm glad you were there.
It is wonderful to see that they honored Mr. Matumeak prior to him passing. Far too many awards and acknowledgments are after they have passed.
Beautiful photos, as always, Bill. Chie and I will miss the funeral, I fear. We were blessed with the opportunity to say goodbye to Uncle Warren over the weekend. We're sad for the family, but Warren left so much behind he will never be forgotten. Chie and I learned so much from him.
I have been reading your blog for a while now. I always enjoy what you write and the pictures that accompany your words. I have to say I have been moved to tears by your reflections on the death of your dear friend, Sandy. And your wife, Margie, is adorable.
What a lovely post. First time posting here. I love your blog. It is a place I visit everyday and I appreciate your take on life and your musings on everything. Please don't let your heart become too heavy with all the sadness you have experienced recently. We all experience loss and our hearts become fonder because of it. Peace and thank you.
I'll just echo Aaron Fox. Thank you for sharing the photos and memoir, Bill. And quyanaqpak, Uncle Warren, for being who you were - a phenomenal drummer, singer, dancer, storyteller, teacher, man of faith, and proud Inupiaq. We can never thank you enough for what you've done for us since Aaron and I first knocked on your door in a snowy evening in late November 2007. You and your family so warmly and graciously embraced us and welcomed us into the Inupiaq life. Your faith in us was indeed like "muktuk" that kept fueling and re-energizing us. We love you, and we miss you.
Wonderful stories/photos of Aapa Warren's Funeral and everything else!! Thanks much Bill!! Merry Christmas!!